The Edward Klein book The Amateur looks to discredit President Barack Obama by cutting into a number of "myths" about the current President of the United States. The book claims that the Obamas' marriage has been rocky and even come close to divorce in the past, particularly after Obama lost an election for a House seat against Bobby Rush in 2000.

The book makes other ridiculous claims, too -- it claims former President Bill Clinton is the one who called Obama an "amateur"; Mrs. Obama is a jealous control freak; and Obama may have really been a Muslim -- but this one is the most striking. Because if Klein is trying to make us not like Obama, he is going about it wrong.

In fact, the idea that the Obamas once had a troubled marriage is actually endearing and more "presidential."

What presidential marriage hasn't been on the rocks at some point? Hell, what marriage hasn't been?

These are the points where we are most human. These are the points that matter. Obama's "perfection" is part of what makes him unpopular among those who voted for him. 

Sure, it's wonderful to have conviction and passion, but being human is what makes you a good leader. Besides, look at John Edwards. His manufactured "perfection" crumpled around him and now we are left with his lies and shattered career. When the flaws are in the open, it feels more honest and real.

It isn't normal to be perfect. It IS normal to have flaws and cracks and some problems. It isn't that a president needs to let us know everything about his life. But it's nice to know that he and Michelle have weathered storms and saved their marriage from ruin.

That is what makes a great leader. They don't just spring out of pure perfection. They fight and they scramble and they make their way to a place of leadership through grit.

The irony is, the claims Klein makes only prove one thing clearly: If they are true, Obama is no "amateur" at all.

Do you think the book is true?

 

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